Harbor Freight engine hoist

[crazybrit]

Does anyone know how the old silver version 69512 (https://go.harborfreight.com/coupons/2020/12/61858-176691-61858/) compares to the current 58794 model (https://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-58794.html)

I've been thinking of buying one as I have some 400lb milling machines I need to move around my shop in the coming year as I reorg the space. I occasionally see the older silver version on Craigslist/etc for cheap (< $150).

I'd read a couple posts about people complaining about lack of spare parts for the old/silver one but that's basically an issue from new with HF (whenever I've called asking about a part# in a current manual the answer has been "if it's actually available it will be 3 months from China").

Plan B wait for a 25% coupon assuming there isn't an exclusion on #58794

Plan C, keep my eyes open for a higher quality used one (with parts availability), brand/model suggestions welcomed. folding to minimal size is mandatory

 

[whateg01]

I have one of the silver ones. The biggest limitation I see is I don't like the cheap casters and I wish it went higher. I have converted my excaliber to pallet jack wheels on the front. It rolls smoothly and easily and can be steered. Some people don't like that and if space is tight, being able to spin it might be necessary. Capacity has never been a problem, but if you were loading onto a trailer, you might be too high for it.

ETA: don't have any experience with the new ones but looking at them, I am happy with the old for less money. If a used one leaks, any savings might cancel out

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have a silver 2 ton, no issues and it's comes in handy plus folds away. It looks like the new one has a stffer boom and new color otherwise looks the same. 150$ for a 2 ton seems like a fair deal.

 

[inline five]

IIRC there was some sort of issue with the silver ones. Some sort of design flaw.

https://www.reddit.com/r/harborfreight/comments/12joc7a

IIRC they were snapping on the boom and they reinforced the bracing.

I highly recommend you buy a 2-ton however, as the reach is far greater than the one ton. I have the old orange 2-ton and it’s been useful for various things over the 10+ years I’ve owned it. It’s currently broken down and stored now.

 

[GeoBruin]

Recent thread about my search for a small footprint engine hoist might have some good info for you.

Small Footprint Engine Hoist

I'm in need of an engine hoist for lifting machines and various other heavy things. I have a bridge crane in my shop, but it doesn't help me for lifting things into my pickup or trailer outside the shop. My shop is very small, and already overcrowded. I'm looking for an engine hoist that not...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[crazybrit]

IIRC there was some sort of issue with the silver ones. Some sort of design flaw.

https://www.reddit.com/r/harborfreight/comments/12joc7a

IIRC they were snapping on the boom and they reinforced the bracing.

Seems to be referring to a fault in the silver 2-ton not the 1-ton. The Sunex/HF comparison video referenced is useful.

I highly recommend you buy a 2-ton however, as the reach is far greater than the one ton. I have the old orange 2-ton and it’s been useful for various things over the 10+ years I’ve owned it. It’s currently broken down and stored now.

Yeah. More reach might be useful. It was something I was pondering.

Recent thread about my search for a small footprint engine hoist might have some good info for you.

Small Footprint Engine Hoist

I'm in need of an engine hoist for lifting machines and various other heavy things. I have a bridge crane in my shop, but it doesn't help me for lifting things into my pickup or trailer outside the shop. My shop is very small, and already overcrowded. I'm looking for an engine hoist that not...

www.garagejournal.com

Thanks. I'll check it out.

150$ for a 2 ton seems like a fair deal.

$150 locally is what I'm seeing the 1-ton for. I've seen a few people asking $200 for a barely used 1-ton HF. I'm always amused at what folks think used HF stuff outside the 90-day warranty is worth.

If I can find a used 2-ton for $150 I'd be all over it.

 

[Wamsutta]

There's something about engine hoists that make them never roll easy. People are always fighting them to get them moving.

 

[finn]

There's something about engine hoists that make them never roll easy. People are always fighting them to get them moving.

I think the poor rolling ability is due to the small diameter steel wheels. They get stuck on anything on concrete floors, and larger wheels would make it difficult to fit under many cars.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think the poor rolling ability is due to the small diameter steel wheels. They get stuck on anything on concrete floors, and larger wheels would make it difficult to fit under many cars.

I think they use the bare minimum when it comes to wheels.

 

[crazybrit]

So I checked CL before I posted. Nothing interesting. Checked again at 4pm and 15 mins earlier this popped up for $50. Score.

 

[whateg01]

There's something about engine hoists that make them never roll easy. People are always fighting them to get them moving.

Cheap and small casters. And compare their construction to others that are rated for the same load. Pallet jack wheels roll easily, even over a stone.

 

[Mike65]

I have an old on probably from the late 70's/early 80's when my oldest brother started working on cars. Looks just like the red/black Harbor Freight one linked above, except ours is all black. It still works as good as the day we bought it.

 

[gungatim]

I have the identical hoist to the blue one you picked up off CL. I've had mine since 1993, never had need for any "spare parts".

One modification I made was to the handle you use to release the pressure. I chopped a short piece off the handle and welded on a handwheel from a mill or lathe or something or other. Then I pinned the whole thing permanently on the valve screw (drove out the pin, drilled through the pipe, and attached with a screw).

This mod makes it much easier to regulate how slow you lower the load.